Before we get to the jewelry, there are a few things you should know about the Edwardian era. First, it was named after King Edward VII, a man who was, above all else, very good at being rich. He wasn’t much for governing, but he excelled at hosting lavish parties, attending the theater, and generally making the most of being a monarch at a time when monarchs were increasingly decorative.
The Edwardian era (1901–1910, though some will argue it lasted until World War I) was a moment of supreme elegance. It was the last breath of an age when aristocrats had the time and money to commission spectacular Edwardian-era jewelry, swan about in lace-covered dresses, and worry about the exact angle of a hat brim. It was an era of luxury, lightness, and lace, and it produced some of the most romantic and intricate jewelry styles in history.
What Was Happening in the World during the Edwardian Era?
While the wealthy were busy perfecting the art of dressing for dinner, the world was changing. The Industrial Revolution had transformed cities, electricity was lighting up homes, and people were communicating across distances using something as wild as the telephone. Women were beginning to think about things like voting, and automobiles were putting an end to the horse-drawn carriage. But in high society, it was still very much the age of pearls, diamonds, and platinum—the latter being a new favorite among jewelers for its strength and ability to hold delicate designs.
Edwardian Era Fashion: Floating on Air
Fashion in the Edwardian era was obsessed with lightness, delicacy, and femininity. Gone were the stiff, heavy dresses of the Victorian era, Edwardian-era fashion was all about lace, chiffon, silk, and tulle. Women wore high-necked blouses, full skirts, and elaborate hats festooned with feathers.
The silhouette of the moment was the S-curve, created by corsets that pushed the bust forward and the hips back. It wasn’t exactly comfortable, but it made women look graceful and regal—which, in the Edwardian era, was much more important than breathing.
And then, of course, there was the jewelry.
Edwardian Era Jewelry: Elegance, Elevated
Jewelry in the Edwardian era wasn’t just about sparkle—it was about delicacy, romance, and exquisite craftsmanship. Thanks to advances in metalwork, jewelers could manipulate platinum into intricate lace-like designs, allowing them to create pieces that looked weightless like frost forming on a windowpane.
Diamonds, pearls, and colored gemstones like sapphires and emeralds were the stones of choice, often arranged in garland-like settings. The goal was to look as effortless and refined as possible, even if it took an army of jewelers to achieve that effect.
Edwardian Era Rings: A Study in Romance
If you have ever sighed wistfully at an Edwardian-era engagement ring, you’re not alone. These rings are delicate, detailed, and endlessly romantic.
Edwardian-era engagement rings often featured lace-like filigree work, with intricate platinum settings holding old European cut diamonds. Edwardian-era wedding rings embraced the same lightness and femininity, with floral motifs, scrolling details, and milgrain edges (tiny beads of metal that create a soft, antique effect). Edwardian-era diamond rings often included halo settings, where smaller diamonds surrounded a central stone, making everything even more dazzling. The rings were meant to sparkle softly, like candlelight, rather than blinding lights like some of today’s modern cuts. They were about romance, not overwhelm, which is why they remain some of the most sought-after vintage engagement rings today.
Edwardian Era Necklaces: Draping Yourself in Diamonds
A proper Edwardian-era necklace had to do two things: First, it had to look light and delicate, like a whisper of diamonds and pearls. Secondly, it had to work with an evening gown that required a maid, a corset, and an entire afternoon to put on. The "negligee necklace" became a favorite—a style featuring asymmetrical drops that seemed almost accidental (but were anything but). The Edwardian-era also popularized festoons, necklaces made of swags of diamonds that danced elegantly across the collarbone.
Edwardian Era Bracelets: Stacking Elegance
Bracelets in this era were thin, elegant, and often stacked—because, obviously, one wasn’t enough. Filigree bracelets with delicate lace-like patterns were a staple. Diamond and platinum openwork designs made the pieces look almost weightless. Colored stones, particularly sapphires and emeralds, added just the right pop of color.
Edwardian Era Earrings: The Perfect Accent
The Edwardians understood that earrings were not just accessories—they were the finishing touch. Drop earrings with diamonds and pearls were favored for evening wear. Cluster earrings added a touch of sparkle without overwhelming the look. Bow and tassel motifs made everything feel a little more whimsical and feminine.
Edwardian Era Brooches: A Touch of Grandeur
A brooch in the Edwardian-era wasn’t just something to hold a dress in place—it was an opportunity to be fabulous. Bow-shaped brooches were a staple, often studded with diamonds. Floral motifs reflected the romantic, nature-inspired aesthetic of the time. Sapphire and diamond combinations gave pieces a regal touch.
Why We Still Love Edwardian Jewelry
The Edwardian-era might have ended over a century ago, but Edwardian-era jewelry still makes hearts flutter. Why? Because it was elegant without being excessive, delicate without being fragile, and designed with a level of artistry we don’t see much anymore It was jewelry made for romantic dinners by candlelight, grand gestures, and timeless elegance. And in a world that moves a little too fast, maybe that’s exactly what we all need. So give us a call and let us revel together in finding you the perfect piece of Edwardian-era jewelry to celebrate the best of life with.